Staff

Diane Woods Young, DVM

My interest in animals started when I was about 10 years old. My parents told me that we were moving to Oklahoma. I told them that the only way I would move is if I could have a horse. Once settled into our new home I reminded them of their promise. A few months later my dream came true, I had my first horse. Little did my parents know this would be the beginning of a wonderful journey into the world of showing and raising horses. I started in 4-H, as many young people do, and worked my way up in to Junior Quarter horse shows. Horses became a family affair when we purchased a horse stable and began breeding our own mares. The days spent at the stable with our horse friends and new foals were some of the best memories of my life. Life was very simple then.

When I graduated from high school I decided to go to Oklahoma State University and study science. After 3 years of study I changed my major to more of a marketing path. I completed my degree in Agriculture Communication and started a career in marketing. This lasted about 5 years before I went back to school in the evening to complete my biology degree at the University of Central Oklahoma. It took 2 years of hard work and dedication, but at last I had the degree completed that would allow me to finish my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I graduated from Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. I was honored to work with Dr. Micheal Benham after graduation for about a year. The knowledge I received from him still impacts my practice today, 15 years later.

Limiting my practice to just feline was really never a question. There is just something about horses and cats, they go together. I really cannot explain it, that is just the way it is. Practicing only feline medicine does offer more of a marketing risk, but if you practice good medicine and love what you do the business part will take care of itself. I have been able to devote 100% of my continued education and research to just feline medicine, which I think makes me a better feline doctor. My area of interest is in internal medicine, specifity diabetites, hyperthyroid disease, stomititis and renal failure. I also enjoy working with the older cats making their golden years the best they can be with proper nutrition and medication.

My support system is made of my husband, Rodney, of 30 years. He encouraged me to go to veterinary school and has stood by me ever since. My other support groups include my chickens, horses, cats, working dogs and hounds. As many of you know, I show purebred dogs as a hobby. I am now on my fourth generation of Rhodesian Ridgebacks and have high hopes of winning many more national titles on my dogs. Rodney and I enjoy traveling to the dog shows together and meeting other animal lovers all over the United States. Our line of Ridgebacks can be found all over the United States, Australia, Canada and Holland. I am looking forward to another winning show season and a productive rewarding year at the clinic.